By: Mike Rifkin
The 2021 Las Vegas Raiders overcame a lot of adversity to make the playoffs. Head coach Jon Gruden resigned after some emails showed him talking to Washington President Bruce Allen showing racist and misogynistic comments. Former first round pick Henry Ruggs was arrested and charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence, two felony counts of reckless driving and misdemeanor gun charge and was released by the team. Damon Arnette, another former first round pick as well, was also released after a video was released of him holding a gun and making death threats. Through all of the distractions the Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in week 18 to get into the playoffs and lost in the wildcard round to the Bengals. After the season interim coach Rich Bisaccia and General Manager Mike Mayock were relieved of their duties. In come Dave Ziegler and Josh Mcdaniels. Ziegler who was the Patriots director of player personnel. Mcdaniels does have previous head coaching experience; he coached the Denver Broncos for a season and a half and compiled a 11-17 record.
The first major decision of the new regime is what to do with Derek Carr. Carr is entering the final year of his contract and according to reports wants between 35 and 40 million dollars per season. Carr last season had a 68.4 completion percentage, 4,804 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Carr was sacked 40 times as well. Carr doesn’t get the shine that some other quarterbacks do. Now that might be because he is in a division with Patrick Mahomes or he isn’t flashy but the guy is very consistent. For the Raiders they have three options when it comes to Carr. The first one is simple: they sign him to the contract he wants. Option two is do they believe they have an opportunity to upgrade at the position? By upgrade I mean look at Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson coming to Vegas. The third option if the Raiders don’t want to pay Carr is to trade him and either sign a bridge quarterback and draft a potential replacement. Personally I would sign Carr for a four year contract.
Mcdaniels will also be inheriting quite the skill position players as well. Running Back Josh Jacobs battled toe and hamstring injuries throughout the season and for the first time in his three year career didn’t rush for 1,000 yards. Jacobs did have nine touchdowns on the season. The Raiders averaged 95.1 yards per game rushing which was 28th in the NFL. Receiver Hunter Renfrow had a career year with 103 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. Mcdaniels should be somewhat familiar with Renfrow’s skill set as it is very similar to Wes Welker and Julian Edelman who played for Mcdaniels in New England. Tight End Darren Waller who came off a career season in 2020 had 55 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns but was limited to 11 games due to a knee injury. Zay Jones and Bryan Edwards stepped up after Ruggs was released.
The Raiders defense was 14th in total defense. Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue combined for 18 sacks while the rest of the team had 17. Raiders defense also gave up 114.3 rushing yards per gameThe defense only forced 15 turnovers on the season which gave the Raiders a -9 turnover differential. The only teams with a worse turnover differential are the Jets, Bears, Panthers and Jaguars and they are all picking at the top of the draft.
The Raiders will have a little under 40 million dollars in cap space. Their biggest free agent is veteran cornerback Casey Hayward. The team must figure out if they are going to give Derek Carr a new contract. Darren Waller and Maxx Crosby are also due for a raise. I would also try to bring in a veteran receiver. If Davante Adams is available make a run at him. He did play with Derek Carr at Fresno State if not him there is a good group of receivers on the free agent market.
Draft
RD 1 (22) Tyler Linderbaum Center Iowa: If committed to Derek Carr The Raiders should sure up the offensive line. After trading Rodney Hudson to Arizona last season Linderbaum could be the long term solution. Other names to consider: Treylon Burks, Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis
RD 2 (53) Drake Jackson Edge USC: No guarantee he is here but the Raiders can use another pass rusher because the duo of Crosby and Ngakoue combined for more sacks than the rest of the team.
RD 3 (86): Phidarian Mathis DT: Alabama: The Raiders defense gave up 114.3 yards per game rushing. Plugging Mathis into the middle of this defense should really help there.
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